CHAPTER 8 FEES FOR GOODS AND SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO STUDIES

8.1 PURPOSE

8.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify the criteria for determining whether a fee is of a kind referred to in paragraph 19-102(3)(f) of the Act.

8.5 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A FEE IS OF A KIND THAT IS INCIDENTAL TO STUDIES THAT MAY BE UNDERTAKEN WITH A HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDER

8.5.1 Provided that its payment is in accordance with the Act, a fee is of a kind that is incidental to studies that may be undertaken with a higher education provider if it falls into any one or more of the following categories:

(a) It is a charge for a good or service that is not essential to the course of study.

(b) It is a charge for an alternative form, or alternative forms, of access to a good or service that is an essential component of the course of study but is otherwise made readily available at no additional fee by the higher education provider.

(c) It is a charge for an essential good or service that the student has the choice of acquiring from a supplier other than the higher education provider and is for:

(i) equipment or items which become the physical property of the student and are not consumed during the course of study; or

(ii) food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.

(d) It is a fine or a penalty provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive and not in order to raise revenue or cover administrative costs.